"We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people and races from many walks of life," said Vice President of Wreaths for the Fallen, Norville Pervier. "The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price."

Following the ceremony, the crowd - made up of veterans, family members young and old, and grateful Americans - dispersed to every section of the cemetery to lay commemorative wreaths on every marker of every fallen hero. Salutes were rendered and prayers made during the quiet, dress-right-dress placing of the wreaths.

Support for Wreaths for the Fallen has grown tremendously since 2006, when five ceremonial wreaths were brought to the annual Remembrance Ceremony by the Little Falls and Randall American Legions. Now, leaving no marker bare, more than 4,100 wreaths are placed throughout the cemetery.

Rosie Hauge, a first-time volunteer for Wreaths for the Fallen, came out to the event to celebrate the holidays and honor her husband who was put to rest on the grounds only three years ago.

"I'm amazed at the amount of people that come out to support our fallen heroes'," said Hauge. "It warms my heart that this many people care."

"We do this as a way to say, 'Thank you,' for the nights slept freezing in a tent or sweating in the desert, for the lonely days spent missing loved ones, for wounds suffered fighting evil, and the precious moments missed back home," said Pervier.

December 14, 2015by Cpl. William Boecker
1st Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

Posted: 2017-09-26 12:02 PM CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - One of the most difficult, most sacred, honorable duties in the military is one that people don't often think about. It takes compassion, empathy, care, and requires great resilience. It is one that when called upon to train for, they hope to rarely perform because it means another Soldier has been lost. It is the duty of casualty notification officer and casualty assistance officer.

About 45 Minnesota Army National Guard Soldiers came to Camp Ripley, Minnesota, on September 21-22, 2017, for a Reset Seminar to find fellowship in one specific thing they have in common: delivering the worst news in the Army.

When a Soldier dies at home or overseas, CNOs and CAOs must notify and help families through the process, including paperwork, benefits, and funeral arrangements.

"The education and experience these Soldiers will receive is invaluable," said Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Hybben, 1-194th command sergeant major. "Our Soldiers will have operated in joint forces operations with fire and maneuver, which will allow for best practices to be shared and used in the future. They will have a better understanding of other military forces and how they operate not only strengthening our force but everyone involved."

The Brainerd-based battalion spearheaded the mission to Sweden as the most recent element of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division to have taken part in joint international training missions throughout Europe since early 2017.

Posted: 2017-09-20 08:33 AM WINTHROP, Mass. - Settled in 1630, Winthrop is one of the oldest communities in the United States. Service members of all branches of the military from this seaside town just north of Boston have fought on behalf of their state and nation since the Revolutionary War. On Saturday, Sept. 16th, Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the commanding general of the Minnesota-based 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, participated in a ceremony that honored one of Winthrop's own: Pvt. 1st Class Andrew Biggio.

Like so many young men of his era, 19-year old Winthrop native Andrew Giovanni Biggio raised his hand to volunteer for service in 1944. He was assigned to B Company, 135th Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division. An infantryman, Biggio fought valiantly with the Red Bulls, liberating the Italian towns of Viterbo, Cecina and Liverno. His heroic actions in combat earned Pvt. 1st Class Biggio a Bronze Star Medal.

"The Minnesota National Guard continues to diversify our force and grow strong leaders," said Brig. Gen. Sandy Best, chief of staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard. "Strong leaders are able to self-manage and channel emotions to produce desired behaviors and results."

The forum is part of an overall effort to promote an inclusive culture, diversify the organization, grow strong leaders and provide professional leadership development for both women and men. The topics will focus on emotional intelligence, leadership, high performing teams and creating a championship culture.